Effect of Social Support and Dispositional Gratitude on Psychological Distress among Caregivers of Autistic Children

Abstract

The caregiving experience for parents of autistic children often involves significant stressors that can lead to psychological distress. This study examines the potential buffering effects of social support and dispositional gratitude on psychological distress among caregivers of autistic children. A sample of 70 caregivers participated in the study, completing self-report measures assessing social support, dispositional gratitude, and psychological distress. Results from hierarchical correlation coefficient indicated that both social support and dispositional gratitude were significant predictors of psychological distress among caregivers, even after controlling for demographic variables. Furthermore, an interaction effect was found, suggesting that dispositional gratitude moderated the relationship between social support and psychological distress. Specifically, higher levels of dispositional gratitude were associated with lower levels of psychological distress, particularly among caregivers experiencing lower levels of social support. These findings underscore the importance of both social support and dispositional gratitude in mitigating psychological distress among caregivers of autistic children, highlighting potential avenues for interventions aimed at enhancing well-being in this population. Implications for clinical practice and future research directions are discussed.